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Sharks Freeze To Death In Record Low Temperatures For United States

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Parts of North America are so cold that sharks are freezing to death in the Atlantic ocean, while turtles are having to be treated for cold shock.Three Thresher sharks have washed up dead on the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts during what is being described as a record-breaking cold snap for the U.S.

dead sharks

Source: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Two were reported to have died "due to cold shock", while the third was literally frozen solid when it was found on a beach in Brewster.The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, a shark research and education group, told ABC:

These sharks were most likely moving to the south with the warmer water and got caught in the hook of Cape Cod. 

Found worldwide, Thresher sharks usually stick to warmer waters, but with sea temperatures around 10 degrees colder than usual, it could be throwing off their usual patterns.

turtles in danger

Source: NOAA

While Niagara Falls freezes over and train tracks break under the force of the bitter cold, other animals too are feeling the chill.Nearly 20 sea turtles had to be rescued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) after they stopped moving, stunned by the sudden drop in temperature on land."All 18 turtles were brought in for rehabilitation, where their body temperature was slowly increased prior to placement into water," said a spokesperson for the group.

Source: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

The cold snap has also prompted calls for people to keep a closer eye on their pets who, although covered in fur, may not be used to or be able to deal with temperatures, which are in the minuses in some states.There are many steps that you can take to protect your pet from the cold, as well as things you can do if you see an animal outside in freezing weather. However, the most important thing right now is to keep them inside and to wrap them up warm if you do go outside.

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